Bangladesh, Myanmar Eye Trade, Rohingya Repatriation

Bangladesh and Myanmar have discussed expanding bilateral trade, strengthening maritime connectivity and accelerating the safe, voluntary and dignified repatriation of forcibly displaced Rohingyas.

The issues came up during a meeting between Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir and Myanmar Ambassador to Bangladesh Kyaw Soe Moe at the Ministry of Commerce on Sunday.

The two sides reviewed opportunities to increase bilateral trade, expand exports and imports, strengthen shipping links, import liquefied natural gas (LNG) and promote mutual investment.

The commerce minister said Bangladesh remains committed to strengthening relations with neighbouring countries based on mutual respect, trust and economic cooperation.

He added that issues related to trade, transport, investment and border connectivity involving other ministries would be addressed through inter-ministerial coordination.

Muktadir said the geographical proximity of Bangladesh and Myanmar provides significant opportunities to increase bilateral trade.

"Bangladesh and Myanmar will work together to make the economic relationship more meaningful and dynamic by resolving issues of mutual interest through dialogue," he said.

The Myanmar ambassador expressed his country's interest in expanding bilateral trade and said resuming the long-suspended border trade would benefit businesses and people in both countries.

He suggested that border trade could initially resume on a limited or temporary basis if necessary.

The meeting also explored increasing trade in agricultural and fisheries products, rice, pharmaceuticals and frozen food, while highlighting the importance of strengthening business-to-business (B2B) engagement.

The safe, voluntary, sustainable and dignified repatriation of the Rohingyas sheltered in Bangladesh also featured prominently in the discussions.

The Myanmar ambassador said verification of the repatriation lists provided by Bangladesh is continuing and that repatriation efforts would move forward once the security situation and conditions in Myanmar become favourable.

The Bangladesh side stressed the need to create conditions conducive to an early repatriation and called for visible progress on the issue.

Both countries agreed to hold regular institutional dialogues and Joint Committee meetings, with the next session expected to take place in Bangladesh.

The meeting also underscored the importance of establishing direct maritime and shipping links to reduce transportation costs and boost bilateral trade.